Finding Text
Condition: The required signed leases were not properly included in five of the tenant files. Criteria: According to HUD regulations, Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) are required to have a signed, written lease agreement in the tenant's file for all assisted units. The signed lease agreement must be included in the tenant file to ensure compliance with federal requirements. Cause: The absence of lease agreements in the tenant file was due to a lack of proper documentation and inadequate internal controls to ensure compliance with HUD requirements relating to complete and accurate tenant files. Effect: Without the proper lease documentation, there is an increased risk of disallowed costs, repayment of funds from HUD, and inability to enforce program requirements such as rent increases or lease violations, which could result in questioned costs and potential repayment of federal funds.